Our Verdict on 5 Popular Concealers Under $30

Ask anyone in your life which makeup product they can't live without (figuratively, of course) and we guarantee they'll say concealer.

Or mascara. But let's go with concealer.

Concealing dark circles, redness, broken capillaries, shadows, pigmentation and pimples (all of which are very normal), the magic of concealer is how it can make you feel like the best, most well-rested version of yourself.

But with 1,545,890 concealers on the market, how are you meant to know which one to paint over your eye bags?

That's where we come in.

Well, actually, it was beauty content creator, writer, curve model and all-round influencer extraordinaire Ruchi Page who did all the hard work.

We tasked Ruchi with road-testing and reviewing five concealers under $30 to see how they compare to your expensive concealer favourites.

From The Ordinary's concealer at $10.80 to the cult classic Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, keep scrolling for her best affordable concealer picks.

You can watch Ruchi road-test these affordable concealers in our YouTube video below, our keep scrolling for the quick(er) version.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer Review.

What: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

A lightweight affordable concealer some say is a pretty good dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer...

Why it's so good:

• Price = $15.95.

• Comes in 10 shades, Ruchi's shade is 30 Honey.

• Sheer to medium coverage with a comfortable, natural finish.

• Thin yet creamy liquid consistency that's easy to blend and build up to your desired level of coverage.

Ruchi's final verdict:

"This is a classic. It feels really nice and comfortable on the skin under the eyes. The creamy liquid formula looks quite natural and brightening. Even though the coverage is sheer, I see a big difference when I apply. Plus, it really does look like skin."

And our customers love it too:

"This concealer is amazing for the price and I cannot complain! I honestly don't see much difference with the Fit Me and the Nars Radiant Concealer if you do the same prep and setting." - Bri

2. The Ordinary Concealer Review.

What: The Ordinary Coverage Concealer

You can read our full The Ordinary concealer review here, but it's basically the most affordable, high-quality full coverage concealer you'll find.

Why it's so good:

• Price = $10.80.

• Comes in 21 inclusive shades across five different skin undertones, Ruchi's shade is 3.1Y.

• Full, high coverage formula can be used to conceal dark circles, blemishes and uneven skin tone.

• Suitable for normal to combination and oiler skin types - dry skin types can prep the skin with hydrating products before application.

Ruchi's final verdict:

"I've been trying this concealer for a couple of weeks and it's definitely high coverage. You only need a tiny amount and it lasts me all day. Yes, it creases a little bit (concealer always creases for me no matter which one I use), but what I really love about this product is you get the full coverage, but still with a natural skin finish - they nailed it."

3. Nude By Nature Flawless Concealer Review.

What: Nude By Nature Flawless Concealer

A stick concealer that promises long-wearing full coverage for dark circles, blemishes and pigmentation.

Why it's so good:

• Price = $24.95.

• Comes in seven shades, Ruchi's shade is 07 Latte.

• A stick concealer with a thicker, creamy texture.

• Full coverage, long-wear concealer with a satin, matte finish.

• Can be used as a face concealer to conceal hyperpigmentation, under-eye concealer and blemish concealer.

Ruchi's final verdict:

"Stick concealers are usually more full coverage than liquids, and this one is no different. It has a slightly tacky stick foundation feeling to touch, making it better suited to oiler skin types than those with drier under eyes. The thick texture can be harder to blend than liquid concealers, so apply using a damp sponge and take the time to blend. Great for if you have an event or want your makeup to last."

4. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer Review.

What: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eye Eraser

Maybelline Age Rewind concealer is a cult product for a reason. It's been around for more than a decade and still, it's one of the best (if not the best) budget concealer.

Why it's so good:

• Price = $19.95.

• Comes in nine shades, Ruchi's shade is 142 Golden.

• Thin texture is pigmented and luminous, and leaves a natural, non-cakey finish.

• Can be used as an under-eye concealer for dark circles, as well as a blemish concealer and face concealer to conceal redness and/or uneven skin tone.

• Easy twist stick packaging and sponge tip applicator make this concealer unstuffupable to use.

Ruchi's final verdict:

"I love this one because it has the sponge applicator and it's so easy to apply. Straight off the bat, the thin consistency makes it a beautiful skin-like concealer that won't emphasise fine lines or cause crepiness under the eyes. You don't need that much because it has a lot of pigment and provides high coverage."

5. L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer Review.

What: L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer

Exactly as the name suggests, this concealer promises to be a concealer that can be used in different ways depending on your skin and makeup concerns.

Why it's so good:

• Price = $29.95.

• Comes in 17 shades, Ruchi's shade is Caramel.

• A full coverage concealer with a natural matte finish and weightless long-lasting wear.

• Can be used to brighten dark circles, conceal blemishes, or in place of foundation to add coverage where you need it.

Ruchi's final verdict:

"At $30, this concealer is veering towards the end of the affordability range. I find it has a natural satin-y matte finish and it's super long-wearing. The large applicator distributes a lot of product, so you really don't need much at all. It's a lot more full coverage than other concealers I've tried. Like, wow, it immediately awakens the under-eye area. Really great if you like a full glam concealer."

Now, all that's left to do is to pick the best drug store concealer for you and add it to cart.

You can browse and shop more concealers here. Want more concealer product recommendations? Check out these stories:

• This New Concealer Is Legit an Eraser for Dark Circles Like Mine

• We've Picked Out Our Top 6 Concealers for Men

• My All-Time Favourite Concealer Isn't Actually... a Concealer

• Our Editor Put This New Sweat-Proof, Tear-Proof Concealer to the Ultimate Test